Bombardier designed the electrical and mechanical equipment for the system, including CITYFLO 650 automatic train control. A fleet of 18 INNOVIA APM 200 vehicles will cover the initial 2.2-mile route, providing three-minute headways, and replacing current bus service. Plans are under way to extend the Sky Train to Terminal 3, with a walkway to Terminal 2, by 2015.

"The Sky Train is going to serve the airport really well to move passengers really efficiently from point to point," Steve Grubbs, a Phoenix Aviation Department special projects administrator, told local media.

US Airways and Southwest Airlines will offer free early bag checking at the Valley Metro LRT stop and East Economy stations in a pilot program.

Phoenix awarded a $255 millionto Bombardier Transportation for the design, supply, operation, and maintenance of Sky Train in July 2009.